All posts by Alison Stenger

The first half of this travel archaeology class focused upon Big Island sites. When tides were too high to document petroglyphs and other shoreline features, inland sites were visited. Discussions about political allegiances and trade with foreigners, at the interisland and international levels, figured prominently. The importance of this southernmost island was highlighted, with in depth discussions of Captain Cook, King Kamehameha, and other history making individuals.

The second part of the adventure began the next month. At that time, we visited the northern island of Kauai. Here, we concentrated on two areas of history. One was the geopolitical separation between Kauai and the other islands, and the other was the significance of a Russian presence on Kauai. This included our exploring the remains of a Russian Fort, now being restored, and which overlooks Cook’s landing area. We also visited the ponds where salt is still collected. As salt was a necessary commodity during the fur trade, the economics of its production and the positioning of the Sandwich Islands were discussed. The story of how Cook’s records got into Russian hands, and the subsequent alliance between Kauai’s King Kaumuali’i and the Russians was explored.

Site stewards invited our group to tour the inside of the fort area, including the steps leading to a view of Cook’s early landing area. The star shaped fort walls are slowly being exposed by local volunteer groups who are removing the intrusive vegetation.Within the walls of the fort are the remains of rock lined paths, that lead to officer’s quarters and other areas.

Salt ponds that supplied people in prehistory also were utilized as an exchange commodity during the fur trade. When not being worked, the salt ponds appear as vast, shallow lakes.Taro fields are viewed from above, showing the different growing environments and staggered planting areas.A deep cavern that opens into several small caves was also visited. Within the recesses of the cave are rock art images. Since our visit several years ago, sand from storms has coated the cavern floor.Elevation is helpful in identifying some previous use areas, although distinguishing prehistoric from historic areas can be challenging.The trip ended with a birthday dinner celebration for one of the participants. Planning also began for the next travel archaeology class.

There is a fascinating site area 30 miles south of Portland. It is ancient, far more than 10,000 years old. Contained within it is amazing evidence of times’ past. This resource is a record of the occupants of the Willamette Valley, from 15,500 to 10,500. It is also a record of dramatic environmental change. Thought provoking is an understatement!

Many giant animals, termed megafauna, lived at Woodburn during the last Ice Age. The remains of these four species have been documented at this site.

In July and in August, a limited number of Oregon Archaeology Society members will join IAS staff, in an opportunity to trowel through the soils of two known paleontological sites. From July 10-15, and from August 14-20, we will be exploring two different site areas. Both sites are in a locale known to contain numerous extinct, huge animals (figure 1). These include the giant bison (Bison antiquus), giant ground sloth (Paramylodon harlani), western horse (Equus occidentalis), and western camel (Camelops hesternus). Some predator species in the area include the Pleistocene bear that became the black bear (Ursus americanus), dire wolf (Canis dirus), coyote (Canislatrans), and a huge predator bird with a 12’-14’ wingspan (Teratornis woodburnensis). Also at this site are the remains of extant species, including rabbit, muskrat, beaver, gopher, turtle, snake, deer, elk, and five other species of bird.

Microscopic inspection of wood (L) helps to identify species, and the magnification of seeds (R) helps to speciate and to look for gnawing marks. Cherry seed photo provided by David Ellingson.

While the recovery of animal bone, mammalian hair, and the occasional lost cultural item are not frequent, nearly everyone recovers something. After troweling through blocks of ancient soils, volunteers water screen the sediments. This allows us to find specimens that were previously hidden within clumps of soil. Some recovered items are then examined microscopically, helping us to better identify each object (figure 2).

The different layers, or strata, reflect the many different ecosystems that have existed here over the last 16 millennia. Clearly seen are an ancient forest, stratified peat bogs, loamy soil interludes, and flood silts. Every year, volunteers are stunned by the dramatic changes that have occurred within a single place on the landscape, and by the preservation of even small seeds and ancient leaves.

Every stratum, or layer of soil, has a different color and consistency, which can be easily recognized.

Every stratum, or layer of soil, has a different color and consistency, which can be easily recognized (figure 3). The characteristics of each stratum have been documented, and each stratum has been dated. Thus, when volunteers excavate the blocks of sediments, the approximate age of recovered specimens is immediately known by the stratum from which items emerge. Beyond the actual recovery, it is simply exciting to be examining the soils as they existed more than 11,500 years ago.

OAS members won’t have to travel far from home, as we will again be at Woodburn. If you are interested in being one of the 8-10 OAS volunteers, please contact Alison Stenger, of the Institute for Archaeological Studies. Email alisonstenger@comcast.net, or call 503-292-5862. Be sure to check the Institute for Archaeological Studies website for a list of what to bring, and also to see pictures of past projects. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn archaeological methods while investigating a paleontological site. All tools, training, and laboratory supplies will be provided, but please bring a pair of clean kitchen (rubber) gloves. There is no fee, although a voluntary $20.00 donation is appreciated, to help offset expenses.

Start dates for newcomers will be a day later than for people with experience at these sites. Thus, those new to the Woodburn projects will start July 11 or August 15. This will give experienced personnel an opportunity to get the area prepared and ready for new volunteers. Those previously involved should, if possible, plan to help with site preparation on July 10 or August 14.

Hawaii is known to have cultural sites from the shoreline to the mountain peaks. These include ancient village remains, ceremonial structures, water catchment areas, petroglyphs, and fish traps. But many resources along the shoreline are not yet recorded, and this is especially true of petroglyphs and other rock features.

Many sites near the ocean provide some sort of catchment. Sometimes salt is desired, and sometimes fish or turtles are the focus. Water is often trapped in depressions for salt, or in stacked rock enclosures for marine animals.Many different forces, from land movement to invasive grasses, put rock art images at risk. The abrasion of sand, too, can erode the images.

These cultural features need to be located by GPS, and documented by photographs. Because many of these cultural resources are fragile, they need to be identified without putting them at risk. A professional archaeologist will lead this group effort, and also provide information about inland sites. Oregon Archaeological Society members, with their training and sensitivity to archaeological sites, are the perfect project volunteers for this project. The results of all shoreline documentation will be given to the Department of Land and Natural Resources, and to the State Historic Preservation Office.

Participants will be introduced to a variety of archaeological sites, when not documenting shoreline observations. We plan to visit a partially reconstructed village, aquaculture sites with three different types of aquatic environments, ceremonial sites, and at least one historic site.

This adventure in Hawaii will occur February 16-21, 2017, and is offered through the Institute for Archaeological Studies. For travel details, please contact Deanna Levinson of World Travel, dea@wtpdx.com , or phone 971-404-0338. The estimated cost for shared hotel, rental car, and airfare is $1,825.00. Travel miles may be used to offset the cost of the flight.

The Woodburn paleoarchaeological project began in 1995. Even today, the intent of our work is to investigate paleontological sites from an archaeological perspective. In other words, we are exploring ancient plant and animal sites, while employing the methods that need to be used in sites containing archaeological material.

Figure 1 (Right): OAS members working at a real paleontological site, honing their skill sets, and still having fun.

Happily, some of these areas do have it all, from plants and animals to naturally shed human hair. But there is another wonderful aspect to these projects. It is almost impossible to hurt anything. Whether volunteers are working on troweling techniques or documentation skills, these field opportunities provide a great environment in which to do this, and people manage to have fun in the process (Figure 1). When we excavate sites such as these, which are contained far below the surface, we bring in commercial excavating equipment.

Figure 2 (Above): Each stratum has a distinct color, texture, and age. Any specimen removed from one of these layers can thus be assigned an approximate date.Figure 3. After troweling, sediments are processed with water (Left). This allows us to recover very small specimens (Right). The bone shown here is the partial mandible to a very small 12,000 year old minnow, about 1” (2.54 cm) in length. Fish photo provided by Joe Cantrell.

This makes our field time much easier and safer. The more recent soils are mechanically stripped off and placed to one side. The older sediments are then removed, and placed apart from the recent layers. Then, before we begin inspecting the older deposits, the newer material is looked at and then put back in the trenches. This makes the trench area much more stable.

Figure 4 (Left): Each independent layer of soil has its own characteristics, from color and texture to age.

Our focus is upon the late Pleistocene (Ice Age) to the early Holocene (modern epoch) sediments and their contents. The job of volunteers is to trowel through the soils, looking primarily for ancient animals and hints of a human presence. Each soil type has its own color, texture, age, and depositional history. Thus, people know something about these distinct strata when they first start troweling (Figure 2). Because we have already documented the age of each stratum, or layer, we know the approximate date for anything that is uncovered, based upon the sediments from which the item emerges.

Once the soils are inspected initially, they are moved to the water screening table for further investigation (Figure 3). This is where our recovery of microfauna (tiny bones) increases tremendously. Thanks to the North American Research Group (NARG), specialized screening stations have been developed to aid in our recovery of these very small specimens. New OAS volunteers, working with NARG and other experienced field people, learn about water screening, as well as about minerals and other interesting parts of the natural world—what we oldies call natural history, of course.

The sites in Woodburn are particularly compelling. With their consistent stratigraphic sequences (layering of sediments), the depositional history of the last 16,000 years is available for us to inspect (Figure 4). The environment that changed so significantly over time, from bog to forest, is clearly portrayed. Because of this, we are often joined by other archaeologists, geologists, paleontologists, and botanists. Specialists from natural history museums, and from some tribal groups, also venture here when we are working, and they often share their expertise with us. This gets especially interesting, when we journey with them to one of the specimen repositories and see what else has emerged from the sediments during our years of working here (Figure 5).

Figure 5 (Right): Specialists from many disciplines, including some tribal groups, share their expertise with us. This is true in the field and during lunch breaks, making our days at work very special.

To date, we have recovered the remains of over a dozen species of extinct Ice Age fauna (animals), as well as the remains of animal species that still exist today. The animals range in size from huge to tiny! The list includes giant bison, Pleistocene bear, mammoth, mastodon, ancient species of horse and camel, dire wolf, and giant ground sloth. Deer and elk, of the type that exist to this day, are also represented in the Ice Age deposits, along with coyote. Sometimes we see the animals represented by their skeletal remains, and sometimes by their teeth. A lot of bird material is also evidenced, from extant species of ducks and geese to a giant predator bird called a teratorn that is long extinct. We also have mink, muskrat, squirrels, gopher, turtle, fish, frog, rattlesnake, and snails represented. Occasionally, too, we see flaked stone or cut animal bone, and naturally shed hair. Some of the hair is human, and some is from animals. There is never very much, but it is enough to keep us investigating. The sediment layers change dramatically and quickly, over the fifteen hundred years that represent the ending of the Pleistocene. From the time before the very last Missoula Flood affected the Valley, just over 12,300 years ago, until the Pleistocene’s end at 10,800 years ago, we see four stunning changes in the environment. Then, after the ending of the Ice Age, we see another three very different ecosystems represented. Thus, in total, our volunteers experience seven different ecologies. Their job for much of the project is to focus upon the oldest four. One of the many fascinating things about this long term project is that the presence of Pleistocene animals and Ice Age humans terminates with the transition into the Holocene. At 10,800 years ago, these valley inhabitants completely drop out of the stratigraphic record. The early post-Ice Age here is archaeologically and paleontologically sterile. From our field work, we know that preservation is not the cause of this sudden absence of these population groups. The early Holocene sediments reflect the same neutral pH level as the layers from over 11,000 years ago. Therefore, as wood and teeth from the Pleistocene are remarkably well preserved (Figure 6), the same level of preservation should be reflected in the more recent sediments. This expectation is clearly supported by the early Holocene botanical materials that are excavated. But, animals and any evidence of a human presence have disappeared.

Figure 6. Even after being left out in the sun for a week, wood is still remarkably preserved (Right). Teeth, too, come out of the Pleistocene sediments in an excellent state of preservation (Left).

What happened to cause this change, leaving the valley floor remarkably barren? That question is part of what keeps us coming back.

Nottoway River Survey, Part-II, Cactus Hill and Other Excavated Sites.

The Nottoway River Survey announces the publication of Nottoway River Survey, Part-II, Cactus Hill and Other Excavated Sites. The focus of the book is pre-Clovis, Paleoindian, and Archaic period research in a 400-square-mile area of southeastern Virginia in the mid-Atlantic region of eastern North America.

While the work contains a general summary of over 30 years of research on more than 80 Native American sites within the Nottoway River drainage, the specific emphasis is upon new data including radiocarbon dates and other multidisciplinary findings from the NRS excavations in the pre-Clovis and Clovis cultural levels on the well known Cactus Hill archaeological site.

Nine years in writing, this very attractive book printed in the US by Dietz Press as a limited edition contains 715 8-1/2″ x 11″ pages in glossy paper with a wear resistant soft cover and sewn binding construction suitable for use in classroom, office, and laboratory environments. There are 12 chapters consisting of an introduction, a summary, a NRS pre-Clovis and Paleoindian 22-year-research-update chapter covering the period since the publication of Part-I, and nine separate site excavation chapters centering around the 210-page (Chapter 5) Cactus Hill site final report.

The book contains 105 data tables and 310 black and white figures with over 590 individual photographs, drawings, and graphs of archaeological excavations, artifacts, artifact sequences, in situ excavation features, excavation layouts, cultural material and scientific sample depth relationships, and general site area and river scenes. This work represents one of the first attempts to evaluate the various early point traditions based upon the use of specific site-water-related environments or microenvironments, site topography, and band range or territory size.

The book is recommended for those involved in research, teaching, or CRM work in the East. It will also be of significant value to anyone interested specifically in North American pre-Clovis and Paleoindian topics.

The cost is $79.50 per copy plus a shipping and handling cost of $8.00 per book; we ship by USPS (book rate) in sturdy cardboard containers, and we ship only within the US. Included with each Part-II book ordered will be a complimentary copy of Nottoway River Survey, Part-I, Clovis Settlement Patterns, the popular 171-page work that was published in 1992, which normally sells for $22.00. The total shipment weight per book order is 6.5 pounds.

For shipment within the US, please send check or money order totaling $87.50 per book (Virginia residents please add 5.3% sales tax on $79.50) to:

Every year, IAS takes people on travel adventures to visit archaeological sites that are far away. One program takes people to Hawaii, and in 2015, we again partnered with Portland Community College to offer an adventure through their Community Education program. Below are images of some of the sites we visited, on the islands of Oahu and Hawai’i Island. Another opportunity will be next February, with sign-ups beginning in early September. Use the contact form on this website to enroll early.

In July, a limited number of people with an interest in the Ice Age animals of the Willamette Valley will have an opportunity to work with archaeologists and paleontologists. Participants will have an opportunity to try both field and laboratory work. The planned site is in Woodburn, where giant ground sloths with 6” (15 cm) claws, and the remains of a 12,000 year old predator bird the size of a van, have been documented. Ancient horses, camels, and giant bison have also been excavated there.

This opportunity will be offered through the Institute for Archaeological Studies. A $20.00 per person donation is hoped for, but not mandatory. No children, please.

In August, through Portland Community College, the partial remains of other extinct giant animals (megafauna) may also be excavated. This will be at a second site, about one mile from the July excavation. Here, we anticipate locating part of a herd of extinct giant bison (Bison antiquus), and starting their excavation. As we work down to the depths of these extinct animals, we may locate and document evidence of a past human presence, in the form of stone flakes that were produced during the times that these ancient creatures lived in the Valley, and naturally shed human hair from the same time period. This opportunity is offered through Portland Community College. The class always fills quickly, so if you are interested, please contact PCC as soon as enrollment opens, to be added to the list.

These are different parts of the same sites we tested last summer, and some photos are posted on this website.

Description: Most of us were taught that humans migrated into the Americas at the very end of the last Ice Age, or approximately 11,000-10,000 years ago. The Bering Land Bridge was their single entry point. The story continues that people traveled down an ice free corridor, dispersed throughout North and then South America, and that they came on foot. As it turns out, however, none of this is accurate! In fact, archaeological evidence tells a very different story. Who were these ancient people? Where did they come from, what types of environments did they encounter, and what do we know about Oregon’s ancient people? Presented by Dr. Alison Stenger, Director of Research with the Institute for Archaeological Studies.

If you have questions about this event or registration, please contact Member Events at 503-517-7265 or membereventreg@themac.com.

In July and August, we again participated in investigations of Legion Park and Mammoth Park. These sites are in Woodburn, located close to Salem and Portland. We excavated, mapped, and water screened. We also visited the laboratory where the recovered items are stabilized and cataloged.

In 2015, we again expect to be working at these two sites. If you are a member of the Oregon Archaeological Society, please check with them for dates. The August experience is offered through Portland Community College. Please check their website or catalog for enrollment instructions.

Don’t forget to take a look at the college field work page of this website. Other Woodburn site information is available at Webshots–just google astenger webshots, or http://community.webshots.com/user/astenger, and the link will take you there. The letter report of this project, and the summary of past work, can be accessed through WBHS (1).doc.

People with an interest in paleontology and archaeology will have an opportunity to try both field and laboratory work in August! The planned site is at Mammoth Park, where the excavation of a 11,000 year old extinct giant bison (Bison antiquus) will continue. The partial remains of other extinct giant animals (megafauna) may also be excavated. As we work down to the depths of these extinct animals, we may locate and document evidence of a past human presence, in the form of stone flakes that were produced during the times that these ancient creatures lived in the Valley, andnaturally shedhuman hair from the same time period. This class always fills quickly, so if you are interested, please contact Gary Palmer, at PCC, to be added to the list. This is a different part of the same site we tested last summer, and some photos are posted on this website.

If the flood deposits from winter prevent our accessing this site, then we will work at Mammoth Park, in Woodburn. This is the site of an extinct giant bison (Bison antiquus), as well as approximately a dozen other species of now extinct Ice Age animals.

In past years, we have been able to participate in McMinnville projects. These opportunities are due to a partnership between researchers and volunteers from the Yamhill River Pleistocene Project and those of the Mammoth Park Project. Instruction is provided by professionals from the Institute for Archaeological Studies, with assistance from members of the OMSI paleontology laboratory, and other visiting professionals from the University of Oregon.

These field experiences are open to both adults and students (over 18 years of age), through the Continuing Education program at Portland Community College. A classroom session, discussing the peopling of the Americas and excavation protocols, will precede field work.
This opportunity is thanks to partnerships between the professionals and volunteers of the Yamhill river Pleistocene Project, Mammoth Park, and the Institute for Archaeological Studies. (Be sure to look at the Yamhill River Pleistocene Project website!)

Participants will learn field and laboratory methods, and will be invited to participate in all aspects of fieldwork, from recording the items they have excavated to screening of both dry and wet sediments.